Antonio Burnside

Since its inception, each month LHCP has honored a military service member who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. Every box which is shipped from LHCP is labeled with information about the Honoree. The monthly Honoree’s story is attached to the box so others can read about those who have sacrificed their lives for our freedom. This month’s Honoree is Army Cpl. Antonio C. Burnside.

In addition to close family and friends, the Blackfeet Nation is mourning the loss of one of its “warriors” in the wake of Army Cpl. Antonio C. Burnside’s death in Afghanistan on April 6.

Burnside (Many Hides, his Blackfeet family name), was killed when insurgents attacked his unit with small-arms fire in the Ghazni province of Afghanistan.

The 31-year-old, originally from Great Falls, Mont., leaves behind his wife, four children, parents and siblings, as well as a grieving Blackfeet Nation.

Tribal officials said that Burnside’s parents were on their way to Dover Air Force Base, Del., to retrieve his body and bring him home to the Blackfeet Reservation for services and burial.

“All Blackfeet hearts are broken today as we learn we must bury one of our warriors whose life was tragically cut short on the far side of the world,” said Blackfeet Chairman T. J. Show. “We are reminded how inadequate our words are when a warrior has made the ultimate sacrifice. Tony represents the best among us and our thoughts and prayers are with the family as they struggle to deal with the shock of this terrible loss.”

Tribe officials say that from an early age Burnside was active in Blackfeet tribal life, was a traditional dancer and grass dancer, and participated in Blackfeet traditional ceremonies. He sang with the Gray Horse Singers and studied Cree in school.

Burnside is the second Blackfeet warrior killed in the current conflict. According to the tribe, retired Army Master Sgt. William F. “Chief” Carlson was killed in the Konar province, Afghanistan, in 2003, shortly after leaving his Fort Bragg unit to work for the CIA.

“For 10,000 years, the Blackfeet have reserved our highest honors for warriors killed defending our homeland,” said Henry Butterfly, a tribal councilman and a Navy veteran. “As Spc. Burnside makes his final journey home, we await his arrival and reflect on the great pride he has brought the Blackfeet Nation. He served with pride, dignity, and integrity and we thank him for his service.”

U.S. Army Spc. Antonio C. Burnside, a member of the Blackfeet Nation of Montana who was killed in Afghanistan, is being laid to rest today.

Burnside, 31, was motivated to join the military after the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, his mother said. He served one tour of duty in Afghanistan and decided to re-enlist in 2010.

“Mom, I’m proud to be a soldier,” Annie Burnside recall her son saying, The Great Falls Tribune reported. “There’s a brotherhood that you can’t understand.”

During that second tour in Afghanistan, Burnside was killed by small arms fire on April 6. His body was returned to the reservation yesterday for his burial.

“There are a lot of things I’ve faced in my life,” Annie Burnside told the paper. “And now I’m going through one of the greatest fears I’ve ever had — that’s what I’m facing now. Nobody can understand that but another parent.”

Annie Burnside said she’s grateful to her family, the Blackfeet Nation and others for supporting her as she grieves the loss of her son. Chairman T.J. Show will honor Antonio Burnside tomorrow when he plans to ask for a moment of silence at a hearing before the House Subcommittee on Indian and Alaska Native Affairs.

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LHCP is an approved Combined Federal Campaign Charity (CFC.) LHCP's CFC designation code is 12282. Charities approved to receive funds through the CFC are required to submit to extensive review of their financial and governance practices prior to acceptance. This eligibility review has helped set standards for participation in giving initiatives that transcend the community.

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